Little did anyone know that on a spring day in Missouri, a strong woman awaited her bloom-and bloom she did.

Maya Angelou was born Margeurite Annie Johnson on April 4th 1928. The woman she became is just as important, more so than the accolades, because it resonates life's turbulence and  rising triumphantly.

Early on she would learn what it meant to be a survivor. Her parents, Bailey and Vivian Johnson had careers and livelihoods as her father was a navy dietician and doorman while her mother, a nurse, knew her way around a card table. Alas, hard work did not keep the family together and at age three, her parents split, and she along with her brother Bailey Jr., age four, were sent to live with her grandmother. A woman she would later credit for instilling values, setting a path for greatness.

Unable to correctly pronounce her name, her brother often referred to her as "My", meaning "My sister". Gradual migration brought the name to Maya. Never shying away or conforming to what others may have considered the norm, she met and married a Greek gentleman named Enistasious Tosh Angelos, for whom she bore a son, Guy. Starting as a nightclub singer she formed a stage name that would be a derivative of her nickname and Greek married name from Angelos.

In one of her most popular works, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings", Maya does a bit more than express the tumultuous teenage years of her life. She tells of a woman of heartache, discrimination, determination and courage. During this ominous time, an incident involving the rape of her mother, caused a chain of events that can only be described as numbing. Maya related how she stopped speaking for a period of about five years behind the calamitous events leading ultimately to the death of the man that harmed her mama.

Assisting her in regaining her voice was a beloved teacher and friend, Mrs. Bertha Flowers. Mrs. Flowers presented a new world to Maya-a refreshing continuation of her journey. She gained respect, knowledge of the arts, studying poet laureates, some of the best story tellers, Shakespeare, Poe, Dickens. Maya decided for herself that it was better to live instead of existing in the memory of sadness, depression and hatred.

She knew what it was to have strong women in her life. Her mother, grandmother, who she lived with several times in her life, and Mrs. Flowers, just to name a few.

Diversity should have been her middle name, traveling worldwide, living in Africa and Egypt to further her causes and loves. An avid educator and accomplished linguist, she was fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic and a West African dialect, Fanti. In a word, she was amazing. Her life's work vast, and testament of a strong will to grow, nurture and inspire.

Whatever I knew or thought I knew about Maya Angelou, this is what I know to be true:

Life may not be a bowl of cherries but if you know why the caged bird sings, it can truly be sweet.




Until next time~

Dawn

Let's make this really simple. It is absolutely unacceptable to leave children unattended in a car, let alone a hot car.

You knew you had kids before you left your home today, why is it at the moment you turn the key out of the ignition, you suddenly have a lapse in judgment?

Now, I could go on and on with tips on how to keep your child safe while traveling in warm weather , but the truth is-you need to apply some COMMON SENSE.

So here goes:

Use your head for something other than keeping your hair appointment-

Open your mind up to more than trying to memorize your grocery list-

Instead of keeping every external commitment, remember first and foremost the one you made to keep your children safe-

You need to understand that there is a grand difference between getting stuck in a car as opposed to allowing someone to sit in one wantonly-

Roasting temperatures are for meat and vegetables not children and animals-

Maybe its time to enforce a better schedule before law enforcement and the state make decisions for you-

There is no past tense when present is where your responsibilities are-

If you were looking for a long list of don'ts-get real. Do you really need someone to tell you not to leave a child in a hot car?

The answer is universally clear as crystal-no translation needed.




Until next week~

Dawn

Those of us keeping up with the Summer Solstice which occurred on June 21st, 6:51 a.m. for us here on the east coast that is, was an exciting time. No more struggles with snow blowers and what seemed like hourly plowing. Ice and snow as we knew it-gone. P-A-R-A-D-I-S-E!

Grill marks and al fresco introduced themselves nicely as the order of the day. For me that means a nice burn on the toes until the turning of the leaves.

Shaking off the horror that was our New England winter I planned on  throwing a party. One that everyone could have fun at, not just the grown-ups. Instead of relegating the kids to a no-mans land, I created an oasis to keep kiddies and mommies happy. I knew about 15 people were coming and an adorable group of girls I affectionately call "my mommas" were to attend.

First thought was more than a gift bag but nothing over the top expensive. Kids like trinkets but they have to make sense to them and be useful beyond the party. I've got it! I candy bar with little "to-do's". My budget gained some strength. I researched the best dollar stores for quality goods and quantity. A dollar is a bit much to pay for two lollipops or 5 gummy bears in a bag-am I right?!. Setting off for my local Dollar Tree, I rounded up the usual girlie suspects: Ring-Pops, Swizel Sticks, and Smarties. Pretty pastels and yummy confections-you can't go wrong. I found gourmet flavored gumballs which were delish! Only two bags were needed to fill the globe shaped bowl I keep in my glass collection. My local party store had 15 for $1.00 on about thirty types of loose candies and chocolates. (more pictures are below)

After finding a pink faux-fur rimmed basket for $.50, (an after season special), one box of crayons to share, which gave the girls a chance to test out their sharing skills and offered an easy way to make new friends. I did the same for the activity book. The dollar store had ginormous books that I tore out, trimmed down and made into a fan-like pattern. lining them in a pottery planter with white shred paper and the boxed sections of crayons finishing the look.

At night's end, the girls barely touched a quarter of the sheets because they had so much fun talking and cooing over the candy bar. Another summer staple: bubbles, three packs were you guessed it, $1.00. A party's not a party without balloons: quantity 6 at my party store, also $1 each, in the girls' favorite colors. Add a few polka-dotted favor boxes from the same dollar store and the candy bar was complete and for around $20.00!

By doubling two plastic table cloths, rectangular in size, one pink, the other white, I created the look of a ball gown. To secure the candy bags, utilizing the glue gun to affix the silk purple flowers to each, I made a small white band making a floral bouquet to hold the bags onto the table. The bags were 3 for $1 and the stickers were left over from the afro favors, on sale at the craft store for $.74. The flowers I had already but they are not pricey if you need to buy them.

The menu was kid-friendly too: corn on the cob, baked beans, my chicken bake-roast, rice and peas. Some of my friends added more delights with a cranberry-sunflower salad, great rolls and an over-the-moon seven layer chocolate mousse cake. A darling addition were lemon cupcakes and sugar cookies. Just enough since we did not want the girls spinning out on a sugar rush. All in all, the evening including squared paper plates and cups, candy bar and dinner menu: $70.00. Not bad at all and I never broke a sweat.

I generally keep the same budget for all of my themed parties. This one had an afro-centric theme including silhouetted afro styles hot glued to bags of hard candy for the "grownies". I accented each "hairdo" with a small floral craft sticker for affect to match the new product introduction by my dear friend Elaine Williams of Olivia's Natural Essentials. I hope to have an interview with her soon, so remember you heard it here first because the product goes beyond working, it is AMAZING!

Stay tuned and enjoy the warm hues, smells, sights and sounds of summer.

Best,

Dawn

Dressed table with ball gown affect; contents of candy bar; below: afro-centric favors.

Never be afraid to follow your passion in life. I learned long ago that waiting is a time killer. You may not get the time to do what you actually want to do and you will have regret. 

One of my true passions next to Sign Language is writing. I found it therapeutic and frankly, a stress buster. As I wrote, I began to see that I had more to express than originally thought. Grief, heartache, loss, all had been shielded in a self-imposed comfort zone: being the one that everyone could lean on. 

But in an amazing twist  I could or at least felt that I could tell the story that I wanted without interruption, my words, my way-and it felt good. The fulfillment of triumph and recovery was something I had not seen coming, as usually is the case when going through a few rough patches. I constantly reminded myself to keep me in check-the reality variety.

Being true to yourself does not mean however, that you step on others, verbally or otherwise. It does mean that you can create, build, grow, research and become whatever it is that you want to be. The caveat: being splendid is in the power of your own hands.

Someone I met in Massachusetts last year (thanks Coral!) made a very simple statement, she said "You do you". She did not mean it as a personal call of arms for me but in conversation, it had impact because it is easy enough to imply and apply but not often actuated. Why?  Because we wear too many hats and faces to help ease the woes of others, always thinking of ourselves as the last one who needs attention. 

Attempting to be everything to everyone is exhausting, isn't it?  This was the inspiration for my very personal guide, MOTIV8.  Based on eight tried and true basic steps that can help with daily, weekly and yearly goals for success. Easing the walls some have in thinking they are not good enough to make things happen.

Insights based not only on my experiences but those I have met over the years, wherever our paths crossed, because contrary to popular notions, no man is an island, we learn and grow from each other. This is a feel-good guide proving that you can survive the sickness, the childhood trauma, the untimely deaths of those we hold dear and any other crisis that made you pause.

In addition to my publishing company, I have written 3 books, MOTIV8 being one of them, and while I always welcome another reader, the goal this week is manifold. I dedicate this article  to all of the Leslie's, Debbie's (formerly from Northfield NJ), Jocel's, Andrea's (Harden), and Xiomara's, and everyone else who keeps it going everyday-no matter the personal sacrifices or trials.

As Lee Ann Womack says in one of my all-time favorite songs:

I hope you dance~

Until next week~

Dawn 

In life and business, leadership plays a major role. It sets a pattern for our day-to-day activities and measures our success or caustic failure. The profile of a leader need not be prolific every time but the skill it yields must prove viable, engaging and real. A leader is a fundamentalist of change and is not afraid to stand alone if need be.

Understanding how to orchestrate and maintain objectives and stay on task. Before you can become a leader you must understand and build a foundation of leadership standards. Is your goal C-Level management? Will you inspire others to want to think for themselves and follow your direction? In order to become a thought-leader you must learn what it means to be one.

Leader vs. Manager-Learn the difference. Many who can manage daily tasks assume they are ready to lead. Good management reveals a person’s ability to stay on topic, reliable in a pinch. In juxtaposition, a leader by definition has major managerial skills but the key element here: you have to have the ability to lead people.

The tone of this role is not simply to command. The savvy to guide, teach, instruct and correct when needed. Cohesively doing so recommends a balance of skills.

Another element left to fend for itself: Inspiration. Leaders must aspire to inspire. So what you say carries concise structure without micromanagement. There is a nominal difference between being in control and under control. Wanton obedience means listen and obey. Strong leadership means what you have taught sees fruition.

Build Trust-Those around you have great expectations. Everyone listening to you may not become your best friend but they want, no need, someone they trust. When working with others honestly, the support sharpens. People gain confidence in you, respecting your opinion.

Realistic guidelines will help reduce any trepidation associated with your role as leader. Take advantage of teaching tools your company offers. Seek external support for your business model. Share and solicit ideas thereby allowing for flexibility on execution of tasks. This critical step opens the door to improved dialogue, creating a positive, shared environment.

While many industries have forsaken honesty as rudimentary, don’t believe the hype. Peer engagement involves your accountability in truthfully assessing and maintaining the needs and safety of those working with you. Put your money where your mouth is by keeping it real.

Learn To Listen-Since Texting’s emergence, we tend to express ourselves in abbreviated terms. Within seconds we have responses before complete, proper conveyance is diagnosed. Have an actual person-to-person meeting and just listen. Our conjecture should be well thought out. Not based on reactive assumptions.

Much is miscommunicated by these methods, albeit convenient. Be aware that certain subject matter requires face time. Being a good listener means you choose your statements wisely as they are based facts as presented. This insures and protects time lost on recovery. Key point: You can either be a good hearer or a good listener. One hears voices the other hears words.

Understand Your Role-The role of a thought-leader is to evoke innovations. If you are seeking such a role be ready to accept the responsibility that accompanies it. The basics of the daily or weekly plan are a given. Thought-leaders though, need to be more than perfunctory. They should have the energy and forthrightness to be the creator.

Write out a mantra you believe in and live by on a daily basis because it will make it easier to remember and follow through on. Post it so others see it as this will give basis for assurance that you mean what you say. Reinforce it with actions that speak for themselves. Hypocritical movement or speech jeopardizes good efforts.

Have A Vision-Famous Fashion designer Ralph Lauren was quoted as saying, “A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.” While this point has been touched on, the relevance of repetition is clearly valuable. We have it in our power to achieve greatness.

There is no need to ride the coattails of others because we stand on perfectly solid ground all on our own. Success does not come from how many projects see the light but from the path chosen to birth the idea in the first place.

Own the challenges, highs and lows. Boundaries for your greatness can only be held back because you gave up or gave in. Worrying and stewing over what others’ perceptions of you are will not help thought-life capabilities.

We all make millions of decisions. Each of us earns kudos for our role in keeping the ebb and flow of our ever changing society. So call it what you want but at the end of the day you are a leader.